Then You've Found Your Key Fob Repair ... Now What?
Key Fob Repair: Replacing the Battery
Being tossed around in purses and pockets, key fob buttons can be damaged and not register presses with accuracy. Replacing the small battery, which a majority of car fobs have in a snap-out case can fix this issue.
If the contacts on the key fob are damaged, a replacement may not be enough to bring it back to life. There's an easy fix that you can attempt at home:
Replace the battery
It's possible to replace the battery if your key fob is slow or takes longer to unlock or lock your vehicle than normal. Replacing a key fob's battery is one of those simple tasks that you can perform yourself. This is a simple fix that will save you money when you go to the dealership or a locksmith.
You can purchase a coin-style (CR2032) battery at any auto parts or home improvement general store. Key fobs typically come with a slot for these batteries and opening the case to swap out batteries is relatively simple. Depending on the manufacturer, you may require a screwdriver or other tool to remove the cover from the compartment for batteries.
Some key fobs come with clips that secure the battery in place; If so then gently lift them up with your fingers or a non-metallic device. Install the new battery, taking care to put it in the right place. Be aware of its orientation when removing the old one. Avoid touching lock key repair near me of batteries as they can cause damage to their lives.
Close the case of the key fob and test its functionality by pressing the button. If the key fob still isn't working, you might have to open it again and ensure that the battery is properly inserted.
It could also be that a simple replacement of the battery isn't enough to solve the issue. This could be due to physical or electrical trauma. In this scenario, you will have to take your key fob to a dealership or auto service center to make repairs. Before you do this, there are four issues a replacement battery cannot fix. It is important to be aware of these issues so that you can seek help from a qualified technician if needed. You should also learn how to repair a defective key fob transmitter to understand the reasons why it might not be functioning properly.
Clean the Contacts
It is essential to keep your key fobs clean in order to maintain their functionality and longevity. Over time, the natural oils on your fingers and pocket dust can build up in key fob's buttons and crevices. This can cause keys to not function. All you require is rubbing alcohol, an swab of cotton and alcohol rubbing.
The key fob must be opened first by gently prying the battery out with the help of a screwdriver or a coin. Note the type of battery (negative and positive sides) so that you can reinstall it correctly.
After that, make use of a cotton swab (or a small brush) to clean the buttons and surrounding areas of the fob. Pay particular attention to the battery's contacts and ensure that they are clean. Once you are done, make sure to let the fob as well as its components dry completely.
If your fob still won't function after cleaning it, it may be a good idea to reset the system. Go through the owner's manual of your device to find out how to reset the system. This could be able to bring the key fob back to life if the issue was due to a dead battery.
After the key fob has been cleaned and resynced it is a great idea to keep up with regular maintenance. You can keep your key fob functioning for many years by wiping it clean using a damp towel and mild soap.
Reset the system
Although today's modern key fobs are equipped with more features that are safer, more secure, and more convenient than ever before but they are still susceptible to some issues. Fortunately, most times the issues aren't major or complex and are usually solved with simple solutions like replacing the battery. If the problem is more serious, or if the issue can't be solved using simple methods an expert auto repair shop can repair and replace the key fob.
Making your car lock or unlock with the key fob is the primary purpose of the device, but it also can be used to activate certain vehicle features. One example is the ability to lower or raise the sunroof with the key fob. This feature is extremely useful when you're stuck in traffic and need to open your roof. The key fob can be used to summon your car when it's located in a tight spot.
The internal circuitry of a key fob and buttons can become faulty due to manufacturing defects or wear-and-tear. The signs are erratic behavior or a complete failure to lock or unlock the car. Moisture or other electromagnetic interference sources can sometimes interfere with the proper function of the keyfob. If your key fob is wet or contaminated with dust, it's going to need to be cleaned before being used again.
Replacing the battery on the key fob or cleaning the contacts could fix a malfunctioning device, however, if it continues to run erratically, you may need to perform a factory reset. This will fix system issues and improve the performance of your device.
If you are unsure of the best way to perform a reset, consult your device's owner's guide or the manufacturer's website. Some devices require a special tool to perform the reset, but you should be able to locate instructions that are applicable to the model you're using.
Contacting a mobile car locksmith in Apache Junction is another option to resolve issues with your key fob. These experts can program and replace keyfobs for nearly all car models. They can also repair keys that have chips.